Archive for month: December, 2015

Hunters in Alaska will receive a belated Christmas gift this January. Moose hunting in Alaska normally opens in the fall, but this year, with an increased population in moose calves in the Western region of Alaska, wildlife managers have decided to grant an extension. Throughout the month of January, hunters may continue to enjoy their sport until 10 cows and 15 bulls have been taken. This extension is particularly good news for those who have yet to bag a moose, and with the underwhelming caribou population this year. So, load up your Avis Alaska car rentals and let the games begin!

Restrictions on the extension

As mentioned, the quota for the extension is 10 cows and 15 bulls. The wildlife managers have identified this quota as the maximum harvest that the increased moose population can withstand. Only those who have not yet bagged a moose in the regular hunting season may continue their quest and may take up to two moose. The hunting region for this extension is limited to Game Management Unit 17A, where the moose population increase has occurred. This region is closest to Togiak and Twin Hills villages, and expands between Cape Newenham and Cape Constantine.

Getting to GMU 17A

If you’re staying in the more popular region around Anchorage, then getting to GMU 17A may be a bit of a journey. We recommend taking your Alaska car rentals. Though the drive is just under 400 miles to Togiak village, you’ll get a peek at some of Alaska’s less populated areas and see more of the beautiful landscape offered by this state.

Make sure to register

Whether you’re a resident of Alaska or a visitor from out of state, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly registered in order to take part in the hunt. As you likely already know if you’re a seasoned hunter, registration is an important part of maintaining and keeping track of game populations. Remember that you are also required to report your harvest to wildlife management. All reports must be completed in person or by mail, and in many cases now, by an online service.

During this extended season, in particular, it is essential that the wildlife management of GMU 17A can keep an eye on how many moose are being bagged per day in order to remain within their quota of 10 cows and 15 bulls. You don’t want the season to be affected next year!

Plan ahead. Register online before you make your trip to Alaska to avoid last minute complications. We would also recommend remaining updated with the extension, especially if you’re travelling to GMU 17A later in January – you don’t want to plan your trip only to find out that the quota has been met. If you can’t, go sooner rather than later.

How to identify restricted moose

You are restricted from hunting some moose. As this hunt is an “antlered” bull moose hunt, all hunters are prohibited from taking male calves. You’ll know these by the short antler growth just beneath a layer of skin and hair. If you see that small growth, move on.

Off road driving

We just want to take this opportunity to remind our loyal customers that Avis Alaska car rentals are limited to the use of paved roads only. We’d like our vehicles to help you in your hunt as much as possible, but be aware that coverage of our Alaska car rentals does not extend onto off-road areas.

Often, there are hunting lodges that will be able to take you to and from the hunt and we would recommend teaming up with one of these seasoned professionals. Not only will this save you time and effort, but these professionals often know the best places to find game.

Get your hunt started with your Alaska car rentals reservation from Avis today.

Folklore holds a special place in the northern territories, and Alaska is no different. In your journeys with your Alaska car rentals, you may see or hear hints of the history of mythology in these regions without even realizing. But these stories tell more than just haunting tales of beasts and inhuman creatures – they speak to a history of the region and the people.

If you really want to get to know the state, rather than simply race through in your Alaska car rentals, then you may find interest in the lore that still whispers through the region.

Taught in schools

While it cannot be a general statement for all schools across the state, some elementary and secondary schools continue to teach of the folklore in Alaska and of the Inuit peoples. Alaska’s history as an American state is not so long, after all, and history classes must be filled with all of Alaska’s past.

In the art of the state

Perhaps because of the prevalence of folklore and because the tales are still told in indigenous communities, mythology and folklore continue to be present in the art of the state. Artists across Alaska depict Qalupalik, Adlet, Tizheruk, and others. If you know the lore, you may be able to immediately identify these figures. If you don’t, however, all you need to do is ask. Some of these pieces may also have explanatory placards. We highly recommend taking the time to read these – the lore is not only informatory of Alaska’s history, but they are thrilling tales of ethereal, super human mystery. You may just find yourself driving your Alaska car rentals all over the region to find more art with this lore on display.

One Alaskan artist who hopes to revive the prevalence of mythology is Kray Van Kirk, a finger stylist singer-songwriter who plays both 6- and 12-string guitars. Though he does not specifically focus purely on Alaskan folklore, his newest album entitled “The Queen of Elfland” hopes to bring back mythology. He sees mythology as one of the major driving forces in contemporary culture – one that has been ignored and forgotten by many today. He would like to remind mainstream culture of the significance of mythology by remaking the myths in his music. He has traveled across the United States and internationally to perform. If he is playing a show near you when you visit, it’s well worth a trip in your Alaska car rentals to see him play.

The hunt continues?

It’s tough to believe that any one in the 21st century would continue a hunt for these mythical creatures, but in fact, it has happened in recent years. In the early 2000s, there was in fact a hunt for a sea serpent that became known as “Caddy”. On the hunt were brothers and expert fishermen, Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand. They based the origins of their hunt off of video footage from 2009. In the clip, which was taken off the coast of Alaska, there appears to be some kind of enormous white sea creature that does not perfectly match a description of any other kind of sea creature. The Hillstrands believed this was the final proof that Caddy – a creature that has claimed sightings over the past century – truly exists.

They began their hunt along the Pacific coast, into British Columbia, Canada. There are skeptics, however. The video is extremely dark and out of focus, making the description of the creature both ambiguous and unreliable. Of course, this isn’t the first time that seafarers and myth-chasers have hunted after legendary creatures. Stories of sightings have popped up around the world for centuries and continue to do so, even into the 21st century. Though many of the most recent sightings have proven to be false identification or even well-planned hoaxes, the desire to discover these creatures as real remains strong.

Why not take a drive to the coast in your Alaska car rentals? You may see Caddy for yourself – or at the very least, catch a glimpse of a walrus.

Why has mythological creatures fascinated so many for so long? The answers are varied, and debatable. What’s not debatable is that Avis Alaska car rentals will offer you the best deals on comfort and style for your trip to Alaska this January. Reserve your Alaska car rentals today.

In recent years, Alaskan residents and visitors have been fortunate enough to regain sight of the Portage Glacier – a sight that had been lost for many years after it shied away behind the landscape in 1994. Despite this, the Portage Pass has remained a hiking hot spot that you can continue to visit in your Alaska car rentals.

A collection of natural giants

The Portage Pass is the perfect place to view a number of glaciers, a few of which are reminiscent of great writers: Shakespeare, Burns, and Byron, as well as Middle and Explorer. As mentioned, you may now also see Portage Glacier once more. If you’ve visited Alaska in the past and had the pleasure of seeing this awe-inspiring sight, you won’t be disappointed in the glacier’s beauty today.

A heritage site

The Portage Pass has a long and intriguing history. Used originally by Native American tribes, early settlers of the state, and fur traders around the area and from Russia. Today, while many different sorts hike the pass – all for their own reasons, we can still remember the original use of the pass. You’ll be walking along an important site, on the same path as so many significant historical persons.

Hike the pass

There are a couple of ways to explore the glacial sites of the Portage Pass. Many residents and visitors of Alaska love the state so much because of its varied and spectacular outdoor experiences. This is, in fact, one of the reasons that we love the Portage Pass so much.

The Portage Pass Trail makes for a glorious 2-mile hike, with only some moments of rough terrain. Generally, the Portage Pass Trail is rated as easy to medium in difficulty, which allows less experienced hikers to enjoy the trail, too. Make sure to bring proper hiking boots, clothes made for freezing temperatures, and extra dry clothes in your Alaska car rentals.

View the glaciers by boat

Of course, if you don’t want to see the glacier by foot, there are always other ways. One of the most gorgeous views of the glaciers and the pass are by boat. The M/V Ptarmigan will take you as close as 300 yards from the glacier’s base, offering a stunning and up close perspective of one of nature’s most exquisite and ever-changing formations. You’ll also gain a unique look inside the glacier’s rich history as you listen to the naturalists on board the M/V Ptarmigan.

A short drive outside the city

If you’re staying in Anchorage and have Alaska car rentals then a trip to the Portage Pass Trail is not a far jaunt. Take your Alaska car rentals down the Seward Highway and through the Whittier Tunnel for a quick hour-long drive. Along this route, you’ll get a peak at the Chugach National Forest.

To get to the trailhead of the pass, stick to the U.S. Forest Service signs. This will take you to the parking lot. Try to arrive early to find a place for your Alaska car rentals – though the pass certainly isn’t as busy in the winter as it is in the summer, there aren’t many spots available.

The glaciers and the pass are a nice getaway from the city. Though Anchorage isn’t exactly a New York City or Chicago, the hike around the glaciers is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of peopled streets. In fact, it’s possible to take the entire daytrip without seeing another person.

See it while you can

With so much of the artic landscape changing, there’s no knowing what will happen to the glaciers next. They are in constant flux, with pieces chipping off and drifting into the surrounding lake. Remember that this lake was created by the glacier itself – it didn’t exist until the glacier began to melt.

Walk among Alaska’s natural inhabitants

Alaska is home to a variety of natural inhabitants that thrive best in the cold climates. You’ll see a variety of birds and mammals along the path – it’s certainly worth visiting the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in Portage Valley before going on the hike. You can take the guided nature walks to learn a little more about your surroundings before setting off on your own hike. After all, the Portage Glacier Valley is far from barren – among living creatures, you’ll also find avalanche paths and rainforests.

You may also have the opportunity to see one of Alaska’s famous ice worms. These little worms have a legendary quality about them, shocking most who find it odd that these tiny creatures require cold to survive.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see one of Alaska’s most incredible natural sites. Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis to get your journey started today.

Alaska has always been a locus of unique and poignant art. The locals have a tendency to create beautiful things that speak to both the state and land of Alaska itself, as well as deeply human experiences that we all have shared in. If you have driven through the state in your Alaska car rentals, you may already be familiar with the high expectations of local art in the area. Sarah Davies’ 100Stones project certainly does not stray from these expectations.

What is the 100Stones Project?

100Stones elegantly combines an appreciation of the land with the human experience on the beach of Point Woronzof. The project is a public installation, constructed for anyone to see. After working on her sculptures for two years, the project will officially be open for public viewings as a completed installation on December 5, 2015. The stone sculptures span the beach, each one telling their own story.

Why did Davies begin the project?

Davies collaborated with other locals to complete the project. Many of her sculptures are casts of people who wanted to take part in the project. The themes of her project revolve around trauma, illness, suffering, loneliness and isolation, and finally, of survival through resilience. She resists a “cult of happiness” and about her own ideas of healing, of living a unique and satisfactory life. She opens up conversation about these themes to bring back humanity to her casts and to show a collective space for stories to be told. She describes these stories as those of “wellness management” on a grassroots communal level and on a personal level. Hundreds of Alaskans participated.

Davies’s project is about truth and about the connectedness of individuals. What a beautiful goal – and certainly not one to miss. If you’re up for the drive, we highly recommend making the journey in your Alaska car rentals to take a look at this hauntingly gorgeous installation.

When is it?

The opening event of the installation will take place at Point Woronzof Overlook Park in Anchorage from 3 pm until 5 pm on Saturday, December 5. Following the opening, there will be the 100Stone Opening Reception at Anchorage Love Church from 6 pm until 10 pm. Here you’ll be able to hear the artists speak about the project starting at 7 pm. There will be drinks and food at the reception for your enjoyment as you learn more about the project.

Also at the opening reception will be a second art installation called “Hive Mind”, or an Artists Out of Order group show. You’ll find this located, hidden, throughout the Anchorage Love Church. The Church is located at 3502 Spenard Road in Anchorage.

How will this enhance your experience of Alaska?

Getting to know a state is more than just seeing the sites and landscapes. It’s about experiencing the local culture, enjoying its art and culinary tastes, meeting its people, finding out about what communal values are so critical to the foundation of the place. What better way to do that than at an art show? Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people and to see firsthand the artistic breath of the state.

Furthermore, Anchorage is a great location. If you’re not staying in Anchorage already, don’t worry – taking your Alaska car rentals here isn’t a waste of time. There are plenty of things to see and do that you’ll have easy access to with your Alaska car rentals. With sites, landmarks, ski slopes, and more you’ll be able to spend time here to fully revel in the Alaskan experience.

Start on the trip of a lifetime when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis Alaska today.

It’s no secret that Alaska is a haven for winter sport. Snowshoeing, dogsledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and – one of our personal favorites – ice fishing. Whether this is your tenth time traveling through the state or if you’re taking your Alaska car rentals out for the first time, you’ll quickly discover that ice fishing is no joke in Alaska.

Unfortunately, the season has had a bit of a late start. With the weather as odd as it has been across the continent, this certainly didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, this hasn’t been the first year that the lakes have taken their sweet time to freeze solid. For several years the lakes’ freezing dates have been unpredictable. However, we couldn’t be happier that the season has finally started, no matter how late. The nets are out and catching their share of fish for the community.

If you don’t want to purchase your fish, but rather take part in this classic Alaskan winter tradition, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Park the Alaska Car Rentals, Take a River Tours

If you’re around Fairbanks, pack up the Alaska car rentals for the experience of a lifetime with an Ice Fishing River Tour. With the right tour, though, you won’t have to pack much more than your own winter gear and a lunch.

The Experience Ice Fishing Tour is $135/person with fishing between 1 pm and 5 pm. The experience includes fishing gear and access to the heated mobile ice shelters so you don’t become a human ice block. Hot beverages and even a few more extra winter clothes are available as part of the fee. You’ll also have a local professional on board to teach you all the tips and tricks of proper ice fishing. The only thing you need to take care of is transportation, and when you have Alaska car rentals from Avis you won’t even need to take care of that!

Aurora Ice Fishing & Dinner Tour

One of our all time favorite ice fishing tours is the 6 hour Aurora Ice Fishing and Dinner Tour. Running from 8 pm until 2 am, you get an absolutely comprehensive experience of Alaska in the winter, combining two of our most hailed activities: Viewing the Northern Lights, and ice fishing.

The tour requires a minimum of two people and costs $225 per person – a fee well worth it, you’ll soon come to understand. You’ll have the use of a heated ice cabin while learning from a local instructor about the proper ways to ice fish. Enjoy hot beverages and a fresh fish dinner before heading out to the open ice to catch a gorgeous glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

Also included in the fee is fishing gear, tackle, and proper Arctic clothing to keep you from freezing to the ice. The fee even includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel, so you can park your Alaska car rentals for the night.

The “Big Three”

There are three main lakes where the ice fishing is premium: Harding, Birch, and Quartz. You will likely become familiar with these lakes if you ice fish even once while traveling the state in your Alaska car rentals. All three of these lakes are located along the Richardson Highway and offer absolutely supreme fishing opportunities. But be warned – they’re popular, and will likely be packed.

The lakes are between Fairbanks (where the tours we listed above are offered) and Delta Junction. You have a variety of species to fish for: Arctic char, rainbow trout, salmon, burbot, lake trout, and arctic grayling.

Get your ice fishing adventure started on the right track with Alaska car rentals from Avis.

Alaska is well known as a space of great local art and fantastic winter sport. Unfortunately alongside these incredible benefits of taking out Alaska car rentals to traverse the state, you also have to be warned of the few disadvantages of being in Alaska – namely, the avalanche warnings. If you stay up to date and aware, however, you won’t have to worry about your safety and can enjoy your trip to its fullest.

The Hatcher Pass warning

Most recently, there was an avalanche warning in Hatcher Pass. Anchorage has been getting a fresh dumping of snow and that comes with risks. Unfortunately, the warning came to fruition. On November 24, an avalanche struck the Hatcher Pass Road and the warning for the area is still in effect. If you’re visiting Anchorage in your Alaska car rentals, we highly recommend steering clear of the Hatcher Pass area for a few weeks until warnings pass.

The Talkeetna Mountains was the particular focus of the warnings in late November, but the warnings were issued to anyone in the backcountry in general. The other areas seen as “at risk” were Chugach National Forest, Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton, Anchorage, and Chickaloon.

Avalanche season is here

We would like to warn our Alaska car rentals customers about the dangers of careless backcountry travel and skiing. Sadly, human-caused avalanches occur more often than you may believe.

On Friday, November 20 the first human-triggered avalanche of the season took place. A skier triggered an avalanche on Tenderfoot Ridge in the Kenai Peninsula around Summit Lake.

That being said – don’t be scared to take your Alaska car rentals for a ski trip. You’ll be safe if you plan and choose the safe hills. Keep an eye on the forecast and avalanche warnings before heading off. Remember that avalanche is caused by loose, thick snow and heavy winds; choose hills with an older snow covering and little wind effect. This means keeping an eye on the hills that have gained the most recent snowfall. It may mean you have to drive a little further in your Alaska car rentals, but safety is always worth the extra travel time.

This is a good website to keep updated on avalanche warnings around the country – even outside of Alaska.

Watch for rough roads in your Alaska car rentals

Alongside the avalanche warnings that have been striking up all around the state, particularly Anchorage, there have been concerns about road conditions. Rain has been intermittent with snow for the past week or so and has created concerns around black ice on the roads. This means that no matter where you are driving your Alaska car rentals, you need to be aware of the conditions and take the appropriate precautions.

One of the most important things you can do is also one of the simplest – leave space. Always think about road conditions when you’re driving and when you’re deciding how much space to leave the car in front of you. With icy roads, stop times are drastically increased. Collisions are effectively reduced when drivers respect the road and other drivers by giving lots of space in poor weather.

Another important tactic is to plan your travel in advance. Always know the routes you need to take and make sure to educate yourself on alternative routes. Be prepared to be flexible with your plans. If there is dangerous weather on one of your stops, make sure you’re comfortable changing your trip a little avoid risky situations. Bring both a GPS and a paper map – when heavy weather hits, you never know when signal could cut out.

Keep these hints in mind, and your trip to Alaska will go off without a hitch. Get started on a seamless journey when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis.